Responsible trip in Sicily Volcanoes and People

Volcanoes and PeopleA legendary land, homeland of the Greeks gods and daring heroes launched from the sea. Nicknamed "Trinacria", the largest island of the Mediterranean is beauty at its most. The Aeolian archipelago, islands within the island, which reflects itself in a clear sea where Eolus blows the winds. Be carried away by the strength of active volcanos: Vulcano's fumaroles, Stromboli's explosion and Etna's majesty. Admire the surprising baroque style of Catania with its lava monuments which has established a link with its mountain. Meet Rino, Toti, Paolo, Marcella, Gapa's volunteers and with them you will discover Sicily's well known hospitality, warm welcome, open and for ever ready to greet new visitors. Sicily, a mythic island.

Day 1: CataniaArrival at the airport and transfer by public bus to your guest house in the historical center of Catania. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight in guest house in Catania. Meals (-/-/D)

Day 2:Vulcano (3hours walking +390m – 390m)In the morning transfer by private bus to Milazzo (2 hours), port of access to the Aeolian Islands. Hydrofoil or ferry to Vulcano Island (1 hour). Rino, our friendly and unique host, welcomes and settles you in studio flats with patios overlooking the volcano. Picnic. On late afternoon, ascent to Vulcano's crater. Climb to the summit through fumaroles, secondary volcanic episode. Yellow sulphur crystals, warm colours of the sunset and the deep blue of the sea could come straight out of a painting. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight in Vulcano. Meals (B/L/D)

Day 3: Salina (5 hours walking + 800m – 960m)Transfer by hydrofoil to Salina (1 hour). Nicknamed the Green Island, most of its territory is part of a Nature Reserve. Long stroll to get to "Monte Fossa delle Felci", the archipelago's highest peak from where you can admire stunning scenery. Return trip to Lipari on late afternoon. Visit of the historical centre and Archaeological Museum of Lipari where you will feast your eyes on Greek theatre masks or Prehistorical age marker. Return by hovercraft to Vulcano. Dinner not included and overnight in Vulcano. Meals (B/L/-)

Day 4:Stromboli (5 hours walking +900m – 900m)Transfer by hydrofoil to the Island of Stromboli (2 hours). In the afternoon, supervised by a volcano guide, hike to the summit of Stromboli at 900 meters, from which regarding weather conditions and volcanic activity by nightfall you may observe explosions from the crater at 700 meters beneath you. Picnic during the hike. Overnight in Stromboli. Meals (B/L/D)

Day 5: Transfer to Etna Casa di PagliaIn the morning transfer to Milazzo by hydrofoil (3 hours) then after the picnic to Etna by bus (2 hours). Nearby Sant'Alfio village (1700 residents), Toti & Tiziana have built their lodging in straw & clay. Far from being a hippie's hut, the Casa di Paglia is a comfortable haven of peace in a nest of wild landscape overlooking the "Mongibello". Pioneers of Permaculture in Sicily, activists in ecotourism, Toti and Tiziana will greet you within their family. Little stroll through paths around Felcerossa. Dinner with the Family. Meals (B/L/D)

Day 6: Etna (3,5 hours walking + 375m – 375m)In the morning, private bus to Etna, the «Mountain», the giant which towers over East Sicily. Mount Etna and its surroundings have been listed as World Heritage of Humanity for its influence on the land and culture. Easy hiking (3 hours 30) to discover the biggest active volcano in Europe. Fantastic volcano landscapes. The itinerary starts at 1900 meters and ends at the depression of Del Bove Valley, a huge caldera can be found at the foot of the summit craters shaped by the flow of the ancient volcanic edifice named "Trifoglietto". Picnic on the spot. For those who want to join dinner preparation with the family. Dinner and overnight at Toti's. Meals (B/L/D)

Day 7: Etna and CataniaIn the morning "permaculture" workshops, Etna's wild herbs, manufacture of handmade soaps or traditional chocolates with Toti and Tiziana. Return to Catania in the afternoon. Visit to G.a.p.a. organization, our solidary partner located in the area of S. Cristoforo and meeting our volunteers. Dinner all together prepared by the volunteers and families from the neighbourhood. Overnight in guest house in Catania. Meals (B/L/D)Day 8: DepartureTransfer by public bus to Catania Airport. End of services provided. Meal (B/-/-)

Note: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)

Grade: moderate, for people with a minimum of physical preparation. These trips include hiking days on trails and roads located at medium altitude. 2 to 5 hours walking each day, hilly-to-steep terrain. A prior hiking experience is recommended.

Accommodation:- 2 nights in a B&B in Catania- 2 nights in a studio in Vulcano- 1 night in a hotel*** in Stromboli- 2 nights in a B&B on EtnaGuest House in Catania could have a shared bathroom (max 4 pax).Accommodation on Etna is « hut » style, rooms are shared according with the size and composition of the group.

Getting there: the destination airport is Catania. Welcome to the airport by your guide and transfer by public bus to the housing. The last day, transfer by public bus to Catania airport.

Supplements price per personDepartures on July and September 30 €Single Room Supplement 100 €

Included:- All transfers provided in the trip note by public buses, train, hydrofoil and private minibus- 7 nights' accommodation as provided in the trip notes including breakfast- All Lunches (except on day 1 and day 8)- Dinners (except on day 3 and day 8)- English spoken tour leader, specialist of the region- Solidarity project involvement

Not included:- Dinners on day 3 and day 8- Lunches on day 1 and day 8- All beverages- City tax

2 comments

The itinerary was excellent. All walks were well planned and met our expectations. The Stromboli evening fireworks was the highlight of the trip. We considered that the Catania hotels could be upgraded. Accommodation on Lipari and Stromboli good.
Transport was mostly fine using local public buses but as our group was 15 some of us opted for taxis on two occasions at our expense to avoid queuing and hassle. This needs thinking through. Our tour leader was excellent and very efficient in her arrangements. She seemed at times nervous and hence over "protective". Some of this may have been due to language difficulties.

Nicoletta was exceptional and made the difference to our holiday. She made sure everyone was included and gave clear, precise instructions on where/when to meet etc. She added extra information on flora, fauna, sites etc. We felt she really put in extra effort and was patient and unflustered. For most of our group, the visit to Taormina was not really necessary. We and others, thought it was rather touristy and commercial, so apart from the situation and the Greek theatre it was a bit of a waste of an afternoon.

Leave a comment

Make sure you enter all the required information, indicated by an asterisk (*). HTML code is not allowed.